Transforming the Illawarra Skyline
The Illawarra region is poised for significant transformation as the NSW government accelerates housing development through sweeping planning reforms. With more than 11,000 new homes proposed across multiple major projects, the landscape of Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama is set to change dramatically in the coming years.
Major Development Projects Underway
In North Wollongong, apartment towers reaching up to ten storeys could soon emerge east of the train station following changes to state planning controls. The Transport Oriented Development policy has enabled new planning rules that are expected to deliver approximately 5,300 new homes in this area alone, created through collaboration between the NSW government and Wollongong City Council.
Shellharbour, identified as one of the region's fastest-growing areas, is set to receive nearly 5,700 new homes through two fast-tracked rezonings announced by local ministers Paul Scully and Ryan Park in late October. This includes significant development on vacant land north of the new Shellharbour Hospital site.
Kiama is also facing substantial changes, with proposals for eight-storey apartments on council-owned land in Belvedere Street. The council previously invested $6.3 million to acquire the former Big River property, and now working with the state government, could see around 450 homes created if the draft rezoning proceeds.
CBD Transformations and Community Impact
Wollongong's city centre continues to evolve with The Globe development receiving council support to exceed height limits for its 55-metre high five-star hotel on the old David Jones site. The project, which includes redevelopment of City Diggers and office space, will surpass the usual 48-metre restriction by two storeys.
The changes extend beyond new construction, with IRT securing approval for an $11 million refurbishment of its Diment aged care facility in Staff Street. Meanwhile in Kenny Street, developer Blaq Projects aims to add six additional storeys to an approved apartment-hotel complex, taking advantage of new affordable housing provisions and council hotel policies.
As Wollongong City councillor Ann Martin noted during recent debates, the pace of change shows no signs of slowing. "You won't recognise Wollongong in 10 years," she observed, highlighting the significant urban transformation underway across the region.
